P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes believes the challenges Andrea Kimi Antonelli endured in F2 in 2024 have better prepared him to deal with tough moments in his rookie F1 campaign.
Due to missing out on signing Max Verstappen, Mercedes chose to promote Antonelli to the seat vacated by Lewis Hamilton, who moved to Ferrari. Mercedes conducted a thorough F1 testing schedule for Antonelli to assess his skills after Hamilton’s departure was announced a year ago. Antonelli, an Italian driver, completed several test runs with previous Mercedes cars in European venues, accumulating around 9000 kilometers in total mileage. Following impressive performances during testing and FP1 sessions using the 2024 Mercedes, Antonelli was announced as George Russell’s teammate for Mercedes, showcasing his rapid rise in motorsport. Despite the pressure of joining a team with championship aspirations, Mercedes believes Antonelli’s adaptability and talent will allow him to excel in his F1 debut. Mercedes Development Advisor Gwen Lagrue praised Antonelli’s unique qualities and rapid progression through lower series, bypassing Formula 3 en route to Formula 1 based on his exceptional performances.
